Meath children get to go racing

HORSE RACING 230 children from nine primary schools go behind the scenes at HRI Racing Juniors education day at Navan Racecourse

School children from Moynalvey NS, St Paul’s Navan, Scoil Mhuire in Moylagh, St Joseph’s Mercy Navan, St Joseph's Mulhussey, Kilmainhamwood NS, St Patrick's NSn Trim, Scoil Naomh Barra Wilkinstown and Duleek BNSl took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day at Navan Racecourse’s last flat fixture of the year on Wednesday last.

Over 230 Fifth and Sixth class primary school children got to go behind the scenes at Navan Racecourse and meet racehorse trainer John McConnell and his racehorse Stanhope who explained what his job entails as a racehorse trainer as well as a typical day-to-day routine for his racehorses, their exercise schedule and diet, and how he prepares them to run in a race.

Former Grade 1 winning jockey Denis O’Regan brought the children into the weigh-room to show them the jockeys’ changing room and the kit jockeys wear and use on race days including boots, back-protector, helmet and saddle.

Vincent Eivers, a member of the Navan track team, took the children on a course walk to see first-hand how the team prepare the track for a race meeting.

Farrier David Prendergast gave the children a shoeing demonstration, explained the role of the farrier and the special skills and equipment required to treat racehorses’ hooves.

Dr Graham Adams, Deputy Head of Veterinary Operations in the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), explained the role of the vets and the veterinary protocols in place on race day.

Riding Coach Niall Byrne from the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) gave the children an opportunity to ride the racehorse simulator.

The children also watched the four short episodes in the Road To Racing video series where leading jockey Danny Mullins takes the reins to teach children about all aspects of horse racing from the stables, meeting the people that work there and learn about the routine of the horses and the jockeys.

"We were delighted to host our HRI Juniors education day and welcome so many enthusiastic and interested pupils from some of our local schools in the area," said Navan Racecourse manager Ciaran Flynn.

“It is important for the team at Navan Racecourse to connect with our local community, so we hope this opportunity to get up close and personal with a trainer and a racehorse, a jockey and a farrier will foster a connection to the equine and human stars of our sport and the range of jobs the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry offers.

"As well as getting a behind the scenes look at the racecourse, the children also had an opportunity to see live racing as the HRI Racing Juniors event coincided with our final Flat meeting of the year. We look forward to welcoming back all the children and their families to the racecourse for our Navan Racing Festival on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November.”

The objective of the HRI Racing Juniors education days is to encourage an affinity with racehorses among the younger generation and demonstrate the variety of careers available in the racing and breeding industry in Ireland.

HRI Racing Juniors education days are free to attend. To register your school’s interest for a HRI Racing Juniors education day at your local racecourse in 2024, please email: hriracingjuniors@hri.ie.